How To Properly Maintain Your Deck

So, you have this incredible deck you’ve been meaning to use, or you just bought a brand-new deck and are still learning the ropes on how to maintain it. Our brief guide reviews the basics of how to maintain your deck which even most expert homeowners often overlook.

Clean Your Deck

Obvious, right? Sadly, this chore is easy to put off. Regularly cleaning your deck and checking for damage can help prevent more costly repairs down the road.

Growth, such as mold, moss, mildew, or algae, can eat away at any type of decking material and should be removed ASAP. After building a gorgeous wood deck, why who wants rot and mold to eat away at it? While it takes longer to break down PVC or concrete decks, it is still potentially possible if you leave it unchecked long enough.

You can remove most growth with a blend of water and bleach, baking soda, white vinegar, and a simple green all-purpose cleaner. Use a soft bristle brush or a power washer, depending on how bad it is and the material of your deck.

Pro Tip: Read up about how to pressure wash wood. The last thing you want to do is damage the wood.

Replace Old Screws & Nails

Just because the package says “stainless steel screws” doesn’t mean they won’t rust. After a few years of exposure to constant weather changes, screws can start to rust. If screws rust, it is only a matter of time before they break and boards start popping out.

Fix Sinking Areas

Yes, a deck can sink and become unleveled. There are several causes for a sinking deck which range from your foundation shifting to structural damage from wood rot or termites.

Structural damage means you need to replace the compromised pieces. If there is enough damage to a deck, you can use it as your excuse to tear it down and replace it with a beautiful new deck.

Foundational issues can be fixed by digging deeper below the frost line and replacing your old posts with longer ones. Alternatively, you can fill the foundation your deck sits upon with concrete or stone.

Keep The Splinters Away

It’s time to break out the sander! Depending on where you live, a wood deck is due for sanding every 2 to 3 years. You can also gauge the needed frequency just by visual inspections of the surface area. Keep an eye out for protruding screws or nails. Repairs should always be handled first.

Build A New Wood Deck

For our Middle Tennessee community, AllStar Fence and Deck caters to your needs, wants, and desires when it comes to building the perfect deck. Contact us to get started!